What Happened This Year 1796

Born in 1796

James Lick

Carpenter and piano builder
Born
August 25th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
1876 149 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1796, a prominent carpenter and piano builder contributed significantly to the development of piano manufacturing in the United States. Established a successful piano manufacturing business in the mid-19th century, gaining recognition for high-quality instruments. Ventured into real estate investment after accumulating wealth from piano sales, leading to substantial land ownership in California. Contributed to the arts and sciences through philanthropic efforts, notably by founding the Lick Observatory, a significant astronomical facility located on Mount Hamilton.

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Hartley Coleridge

English poet and author of poetry collections
Born
September 19th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
1849 176 years ago — 53 years old

Born in 1796, a poet and author contributed to the English literary scene in the 19th century. Eldest son of the famous poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, developed a style characterized by Romantic ideals. Published several volumes of poetry, including ' Poems' and 'The Literary Remains of Samuel Taylor Coleridge.' Developed a reputation for lyrical poetry that reflected the depth of human experience and nature's beauty. Served as a professor of English literature at the University of Manchester, influencing future generations of writers and poets. Resided in various locations during his life, often associated with the Lake District.

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Antoine-Louis Barye

French sculptor known for animal sculptures
Born
September 24th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
June 25th, 1875 149 years ago — 78 years old

Antoine-Louis Barye was a French sculptor and educator active in the 19th century. He specialized in creating dynamic and detailed sculptures of animals, often depicting them in dramatic poses. Barye's work reflects a deep understanding of anatomy and movement, earned through his time as a student in various art institutions. He produced a number of celebrated pieces, including bronze sculptures cast from original models in his studio. His works are characterized by a blend of realism and romanticism, making them notable in the art world. Barye became a prominent figure in the Parisian artistic scene, founding a studio that attracted many students and aspiring artists. His sculptures are housed in various prestigious museums, capturing the imagination of art enthusiasts.

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Joseph Bonomi the Younger

British Egyptologist and Sculptor
Born
October 9th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
1878 147 years ago — 82 years old

A British Egyptologist and sculptor contributed extensively to the study of ancient Egyptian art and architecture. His work included travels to Egypt, where detailed sketches and sculptural designs were created based on archaeological sites. His artistic style combined classical influences with an accurate representation of ancient Egyptian motifs. Bonomi also engaged in a variety of projects, including work on restoring the tomb of Seti I. He took on teaching roles, influencing the next generation of artists and scholars in the field of Egyptology. Additionally, he authored and illustrated several publications, further enhancing the understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization.

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Stefano Franscini

Swiss statistician and politician
Born
October 23rd, 1796 228 years ago
Died
July 19th, 1857 167 years ago — 60 years old

Contributed to the development of statistics in Switzerland and served in various political roles. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich, now known as ETH Zurich. Participated actively in Swiss politics in the early 19th century, focusing on educational reforms. Helped shape the educational landscape in Switzerland during this period.

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Carl Loewe

German composer and conductor
Born
November 30th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
1869 156 years ago — 73 years old

Born in Germany, established a career as a composer and conductor. Created over 200 works, including a significant number of songs and ballads. Developed a reputation in the early 19th century for contributions to German music, particularly in the field of romantic lieder. Worked closely with various orchestras and also explored the realm of choral music with numerous compositions. His piece, 'Erlkönig,' remains a notable example of dramatic lieder setting.

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Thomas Chandler Haliburton

Canadian judge and politician
Born
December 17th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
August 27th, 1865 159 years ago — 68 years old

Served as a prominent judge and political figure in Canada during the 19th century. Held the position of a judge in Nova Scotia and played a significant role in the region's political landscape. Authored a series of humorous and satirical works that brought attention to social and political issues of the time, including the famous creation of the character Sam Slick. His writings contributed to the cultural discourse in Canada and offered insight into the era's societal norms.

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Manuel Bretón de los Herreros

Spanish poet and playwright
Born
December 19th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
November 8th, 1873 151 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1796, a prominent figure in Spanish literature, contributed significantly as a poet and playwright during the 19th century. Created a wide range of works that explored social themes and human emotions. Authored more than 70 plays, many of which gained popularity in the theatrical landscape of the time. Held a position as the director of the Teatro Español for several years, influencing the development of Spanish theatrical traditions. Critiqued prevailing literary styles and advocated for a more realistic representation in drama.

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Johann Christian Poggendorff

German physicist and scientific journalist
Born
December 29th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
January 24th, 1877 148 years ago — 80 years old

Contributed significantly to physics, particularly in the fields of electricity and magnetism. Founded the journal Annalen der Physik und Chemie to disseminate scientific research and findings. Conducted extensive research on the electromotive force and made advancements in the understanding of galvanism. Educated at the University of Berlin, later became a prominent figure in scientific circles, promoting education and public interest in the sciences. Also contributed to the establishment of the Physical Society in Berlin.

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